On October 27, 2024, the University of Vermont (UVM) launched its Planetary Health Initiative, aiming to co-create a wellbeing economy that prioritizes human needs within ecological limits. Rigo Melgar, a Ph.D. candidate in Ecological Economics at UVM, emphasized the necessity for a paradigm shift in academia to address socio-economic systems that undermine health. He collaborates with Dr. Jon D. Erickson and Dr. Joshua Farley on ecological macroeconomics, focusing on modernizing higher education to tackle the challenges of the 21st century [acd0153e].
The initiative seeks to promote diversity, develop a planetary health course, and support community collaboration, aligning with UVM's commitment to sustainability and social equity. Melgar, who launched Ecological Economics for All in 2020 to make ecological knowledge more accessible, expressed hope for a collaborative UVM community centered on systems thinking [acd0153e].
In addition to the Planetary Health Initiative, Vermont has seen various developments throughout October 2023, including changes in airline routes, funding for transmission projects, and federal support for semiconductor manufacturing. The state has also focused on housing production and affordability, with leadership changes at Vermont Public and the inauguration of the UVM Solar Research and Training Facility [72bcb043].
Moreover, Vermont Public recently premiered the winning films from the 2023 Freedom and Unity Young Filmmakers Contest, showcasing the creativity and perspectives of young filmmakers from Vermont and New Hampshire. The contest serves as an educational tool for students to explore and express their states' culture through film, highlighting the importance of nurturing young talent in the region [72bcb043].